If general manager Chris Ballard has taught Indianapolis Colts fans anything, it’s that his approach is pragmatic and by the book.
However, when you have a roster (seemingly) on the precipice of contention, there are times the front office has to think outside the box and go beyond conventional wisdom.
The fact of the matter is that the Colts still have major needs (offensive line, pass rusher, linebacker, cornerback) and have opted not to fill them in a big way via free agency.
Many would argue it’s risky to address all or most of them with the addition of rookies in the draft.
If Ballard wanted to, he could bring back Justin Houston right now and check off the pass rusher box. He can also take care of the offensive line and/or cornerback needs via the trade market. Ravens OT Orlando Brown is there for the taking and the Patriots would likely be willing to trade one of JC Jackson or Stephon Gilmore if they got a favorable offer.
Right now, everyone’s expecting the Colts to draft either a pass rusher or offensive lineman with their No. 21 overall pick. But let’s have some fun and say Ballard takes care of those two needs before the draft starts. Then we could be looking at some intriguing scenarios with that selection.
Here are three unexpected first-round talents the Indianapolis Colts can target at No. 21.
3. Kadarius Toney
Least likely to happen, but easily the most fun. If you look at the Colts wide receiving corps as currently constructed, only Michael Pittman Jr. stands out as a long-term option. TY Hilton’s one-year deal will more than likely be his last with the team as cap issues down the line begin to limit Ballard’s spending. Zach Pascal will be an unrestricted free agent after 2021. And we have no clue what’s going on with Dezmon Patmon.
So … why not take a wideout at No. 21 if given the chance? Who better than Kadarius Toney, too, at that point? The former Florida Gators star was among the most electrifying playmakers in the country and is only getting bumped into the late first round because of Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle — three other world-class talents.
Toney would immediately make the Colts’ offense more dynamic too. We’ve seen him run the ball, wreak havoc in the slot, burn defensive backs deep, and catch that big pass on third and long when the team needs a play. The 6-foot, 193-pound speedster can be utilized in all sorts of packages. That’s how he’ll be able to find the field early and often despite the Colts seemingly being set at wide receiver.
The more weapons for Carson Wentz, the better. The more matchup nightmares the Colts can create with a balanced rushing and passing attack, the better. Toney would certainly be a surprise at No. 21 for Indy, but it’d be a win-now move.
2. Jamin Davis
The Maniac and his protégé? Truly frightening.
Kentucky’s Jamin Davis is another off-ball linebacker who thrived in the SEC in his only year as a full-time starter, logging 102 tackles, three interceptions and 1.5 sacks across 10 games in 2020. Realistically, his versatility would allow him to play any of the linebacker spots in the Colts’ 4-3 scheme.
Despite the presence of Darius Leonard, the Colts are hurting a bit at the linebacker position. Anthony Walker left in free agency, and he was the team’s second-leading tackler with 92 behind Leonard this past season. Bobby Okereke will take over at middle linebacker for Walker. But what about the strongside position? Zaire Franklin? Matthew Adams? Jordan Glasgow?
Maybe the Colts bring in Davis, who could play MLB and call the plays if he’s up to the task. It’s a monumental responsibility for a rookie, but crazier things have happened.
If not, let him line up on the strong side right over the tight end. He’s got the speed, agility, ability to drop back in coverage, and explosiveness to excel in that role. Also, we know very well that the Colts like to move their defenders all over the field. Davis’ skill set will allow Matt Eberflus to do just that, making him an even more valuable first-round selection.
1. Greg Newsome II
Not the sexiest, but a promising talent who would be an asset in a secondary that needs some more playmakers (especially long-term), Greg Newsome II should be on Indy’s radar.
This is a deep class for cornerbacks, so Ballard doesn’t need to panic if he misses out on Jaycee Horn, Patrick Surtain II, or Caleb Farley. We already know the Colts met with Asante Samuel Jr., so it’s clear they want to find some defensive back talent before their work is done on draft day.
Let’s start with some negatives regarding Newsome so we can clear everything up. He played in the Big Ten, which isn’t exactly a conference known for its offense. He has just 21 college games under his belt. He’s committed seven pass interference penalties in his last 14 games. His mechanics in man-to-man coverage need some refinement.
But he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at his pro day. He can rebound in coverage with his speed if he gets beat. He’s 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, and very physical. He’s got plenty of experience in off-man and Cover 3 schemes, which the Colts run frequently. He’s a sure-tackler. He can read routes well.
Those traits certainly make him a good “risk” to take at No. 21. Have him play under Xavier Rhodes and TJ Carrie for a year, learn from their veteran leadership, and hopefully get the necessary experience to provide a 1-2 punch with Rock Ya-Sin in 2022.
The Colts need another playmaking defensive back since their cornerback corps wasn’t great in 2021. Newsome’s athleticism and physicality can change that if he latches on quickly, and he could help plug an important deficiency on a defense that didn’t have too many issues this past season.
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